HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-03-08-minutes-airport-study-session
2021-03-08 MINUTES 1
KITTITAS COUNTY
AIRPORT STUDY SESSION MINUTES
WEBEX, WEBEX
Regular Meeting
MONDAY 11:00 AM March 8, 2021
Board members present: Chair Brett Wachsmith, Vice-Chair Laura Osiadacz, Commissioner
Wright
Others: Neil Caulkins, Mandy Buchholz, Milk Toast
Meeting Call to Order: Chair Brett Wachsmith 11:00AM
EQUIPMENT PURCHASE:
Director Grannan expressed gratitude to the BoCC for the financial support of new equipment.
To date the airport has purchased a flail mower, 15’ batwing rotary mower and a used John
Deere 6115D Tractor for maintenance operations. There were some adjustments to the proposed
equipment plan in order to obtain the most appropriate tractor which includes a 3-year factory
warranty.
DNR LOT ADJUSTMENT
Director Grannan presented the lot reduction request by the Department of Natural Resources on
their current leased property. The desire to reduce the lot size has both positive and negative
effects on the airport. Negatively it will reduce revenue by approximately $30,000 annually.
From a positive perspective it will open approximately 8 acres of land with airport access for
future development. If marketed early this may reduce the initial revenue loss by amending the
lease.
CISA INTERVIEW
Director Grannan discussed the interview with CISA (Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security
Agency) about the airport resiliency study underway. Currently Homeland Security is doing a
study of infrastructure to determine available assets in case of a Cascadia Subduction Zone
Earthquake. The study evaluated the airports potential resiliency during such an event and made
some suggestions for future planning. Currently the airport has no backup systems for power,
water or fuel which would be an asset in such an event. The airport also lacks a circular
transportation pattern of ingress and egress, the future expansion of Bowers Road would
eliminate this concern. The airport lacks integration into the County Emergency Plan as
currently written. These are all items to discuss when taking into account further development of
Bowers Field.
RUNWAY 7-25
2021-03-08 MINUTES 2
Currently being discussed by the airport community is the future of runway 7-25. Director
Grannan discussed the three major options on the table needing further discussion with the
Airport Advisory Committee and others. The three options are to 1.) reconstruct the runway per
the 100% completed design with costs estimated at $1.35 million. 2.) eliminate the runway from
future development and leave as is, and 3.) develop an alternative runway, i.e. grass. The impact
of each option was discussed with the understanding this is the beginning of the discussion and
much more research needs to be done prior to making any decisions.
OTHER BUSINESS
Director Grannan discussed infrastructure needs at the airport including a new
Hangar/Office/Community space and back-up services. FAA reimbursements and grant
administration was also discussed including a question by Commissioner Wright if selecting a
different meeting time would be beneficial to the effectiveness of the AAC meetings.
Meeting adjourned at 11:44AM
Ken Grannan Brett Wachsmith, Chairman
Ken Grannan
KITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON